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Kelly Ann Morrissey of St. John the Evangelist School in Canton was the 1st place winner for 5th grade in the Family Rosary 2012 "Try Prayer! It Works!" contest.

The 17th annual national competition -- which encourages students to express their faith through art, poetry and prose -- is sponsored by Holy Cross Family Ministries and attracted nearly 3,000 finalist entries from across the country. Up to three awards are presented per grade. First-place winners receive a $100 prize, and the sponsoring organization receives $100 U.S and the "Think Good Thoughts" DVD.

Each year, approximately 32,000 children and teens from Catholic schools, parishes and other Catholic organizations utilize their creative skills to illustrate a different faith-based theme. This year, the theme was "Fear not, I am with you!" Students from kindergarten through 12th grade creatively depicted in various art forms how their families are united through prayer and faith.

This year's theme is based on the Second Joyful Mystery, the Visitation, when Mary visits Elizabeth after the angel Gabriel tells her of God's plan. During the visit, Mary comforts her cousin and helps her as she awaits the birth of her child. This Manifest Mystery teaches us the importance of friendship in the sharing of Christ's love.